Being 'Marleyed' in the new dating trend singletons need to look out for (Picture posed by model)

eHarmony named the phenomena after Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner in the classic Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, who appears as a ghost on Christmas Eve after being gone for many years.

The trend is driven by people heading back to their home towns for the holidays, or feeling lonely.

A study by the dating website found that 11 percent of singles have been ‘Marleyed’, while a further eight percent admit to reaching out to an ex.

Singletons in London are most likely to hear from an ex over the festive break, with four percent of those in the capital receiving a message or call on December 24.

The trend involves singletons being contacted for a former flame who 'reappears' out the blue (Picture posed by model)

The trend follows on from research conducted by eHarmony and Relate that revealed one in 10 singles dread the Christmas period, and a similar number feel upset and stressed at this time of year.

Rachael Lloyd at eHarmony said: "Just because you are at home visiting your old haunts, it doesn't necessarily mean you should feel compelled to haunt a former partner.

"Though some people are happy to reconnect with an ex over Christmas, it's important to ensure you are both on the same page to avoid confusion or hurt.

"Often relationships end for valid reasons such as a lack of compatibility.

"If this sounds familiar, rather than revisiting a relationship where the same issues could arise all over again, we would suggest spending time with family and friends and enjoying a well-earned break.

“Going backwards only decreases the odds of finding a new, long-lasting relationship."